It's a question most Aussie fans dare not consider after the last couple of years Clarke - and his team-mates - have had.

From the end of 2011 to the start of 2013, Clarke went on one of the most prolific run-scoring streaks in Test history.

The result? Eight Test tons, including three double-hundreds and a triple-hundred, two Allan Border Medals, and a new batting average of 52.33 that has him sitting alongside some of cricket's greatest batsmen in the all-time list.

Having averaged over 100 in 2012, Clarke drew serious comparisons with Don Bradman.

Along the way, Clarke has led his side to several victories that simply wouldn't have happened without him, and even made a number of their losses far more respectable through the sheer number of runs he was able to rack up.

It's no coincidence that Clarke's sensational run of form started around the same time as he took over from Ricky Ponting as Test captain.

Just as Ponting did almost a decade before, the man known as 'Pup' seemed to grow an extra leg after being handed the prestigious title, and thrives on the extra responsibility.